Mounting AI Prime lights

Fishyj · Mar 9, 2022

I need opinions on mounting 2AI prime hd lights about 3 inches above water . Let me clarify, I have a Fluval 32.5 flex tank with a hood and I would like to keep the hood so my intentions were to drill a hole big enough that the light itself would sit on top of the hood but still shine into the tank. First question is do you think this is feasible? The next question I have is will I get the light coverage I need for the tank doing it this way? I would prefer to keep the hood (I have cats) but if it’s not feasible then I would use the flex arms with a screen top.

vetteguy53081 · Mar 9, 2022

I know a couple of persons that have done this
Not the prettiest but it works

nereefpat · Mar 9, 2022

Wouldn't there be a concern with heat with that?

717_Reefer · Mar 9, 2022

Fishyj said:
I need opinions on mounting 2AI prime hd lights about 3 inches above water . Let me clarify, I have a Fluval 32.5 flex tank with a hood and I would like to keep the hood so my intentions were to drill a hole big enough that the light itself would sit on top of the hood but still shine into the tank. First question is do you think this is feasible? The next question I have is will I get the light coverage I need for the tank doing it this way? I would prefer to keep the hood (I have cats) but if it’s not feasible then I would use the flex arms with a screen top.

I think you are going to be better off using a screen top with the flex arm, ai lights are super powerful so unless you plan on running lights on low intensity you could very well fry your corals. I definitely think it is possible but I am unsure of the ability to keep the same spread by just cutting out a tiny hole.

Eagle_Steve · Mar 9, 2022

Fishyj said:
I need opinions on mounting 2AI prime hd lights about 3 inches above water . Let me clarify, I have a Fluval 32.5 flex tank with a hood and I would like to keep the hood so my intentions were to drill a hole big enough that the light itself would sit on top of the hood but still shine into the tank. First question is do you think this is feasible? The next question I have is will I get the light coverage I need for the tank doing it this way? I would prefer to keep the hood (I have cats) but if it’s not feasible then I would use the flex arms with a screen top.

Like, looking to sit with only part of puck in hood, but rest out of hood? For example, just a bit of the light in the hood, but the air vents on side exposed, so light can cool.

This is doable. Friend of mine did this and then used lightly sanded plexi to make it where the light blended more due to being so close to the water. Being as it is so close, the par loss from the sanded plexi is not a big deal. The lights will never get turned up that much anyways.

Clarke86 · Mar 14, 2022

Best approach to that is to buy flex arms. Mounting them either on the ends or at the back. The red sea diy mesh screen is a great option for going around equipment it takes a bit to make but with enough patience the end result is worth it.

The two pictures are about 6 months apart second picture most recent First picture is using the 12" flex arms. The second picture is using the 18" flex arms. The filtration on the fluval 32.5 is terrible. So I've utilized the aio as a refugium,and an equipment holder. I've put on a seachem tidal 55 hob filter instead.